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PRESS RELEASE: Soccer Supporters Unite

Friday, 17 February 2012

PORTLAND, Oregon (15 February, 2012) - Soccer rivalries are known for their intensity, but leadership of
soccer supporters groups from across the US and Canada set aside their rivalries last weekend in Portland,
Oregon for the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) conference.

The ISC works to promote supporters’ culture in North America, and defend the rights of soccer supporters.
Over the weekend, representatives of supporters of 16 of the 19 teams in Major League Soccer discussed issues
facing supporters, and revised and ratified the Independent Supporters Council Charter, including the Supporters
Bill of Rights.

“By speaking with a singular voice for all recognized supporters groups regarding issues that may be specific to
one group, but that affect all, ISC can effectively use the collective leverage of all groups to protect the interests
of each individual group,” said Jason Corliss, board member of Red Bull New York's Viking Army SC.

“MLS is beginning to appreciate the role of supporters. It’s a step in the right direction, but we want to make
certain all supporters can safely and passionately follow their team wherever they travel,” said Abram GoldmanArmstrong, a founding member of the ISC and board member of the Timbers Army 107 Independent Supporters
Trust, which hosted the conference in Portland.

ISC initiatives include:

Coordinating an annual ISC conference open to delegations of supporters from all clubs in the United
States and Canada, including in MLS, lower-league levels and women’s soccer

Organizing the administration and funding of a new Supporters' Shield trophy

Advocating for an MLS schedule that is favorable to traveling fans, especially rivalry games

Working for the adoption of a league-wide Supporters’ Bill of Rights

Groups in attendance who ratified the charter:

Los Angeles Galaxy (Angel City Brigade)

Columbus (Hudson St. Hooligans)

San Jose Earthquakes (Casbah)

Real Salt Lake (Rogue Cavaliers Brigade)

Vancouver Whitecaps (Southsiders)

New York Red Bulls (Viking Army)

New York Red Bulls (Empire Supporters Club)

Chivas USA (Union Ultras)

Chicago Fire (Section 8 Chicago ISA)

Colorado Rapids (Pid Army)

Colorado Rapids (Bulldog Supporters Group)

New England (Midnight Riders)

Portland Timbers (Timbers Army 107 Independent Supporters Trust)

DC United (Screaming Eagles)

Houston Dynamo (Texian Army)

Toronto FC (Red Patch Boys)

ISC - The Independent Supporters Council was founded in 2009 to advocate for the fair treatment of home and
away supporters, promote supporter culture, and oppose racism and bias in the stadium.
www.soccersupporters.org

107ist - The 107 Independent Supporters Trust is the not-for-profit organization of the Timbers Army, dedicated
to supporting soccer in and around Portland, Oregon, from the grassroots to the highest professional level.
www.timbersarmy.org

For more information, contact: Jimi Butler, ISC liaison to MLS - 202-549-6123 -
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Abram Goldman-Armstrong, Timbers Army 107 Independent Supporters Trust - 503-730-5597
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